Our 2015 picks for the best food, beer, spirits, wine, and more

Food & Drink

Fine Dining in North County

Bellamy’s

Escondido dwellers don’t have to schlep to Del Mar for a wow-worthy meal. At this hidden gem, chef Patrick Ponsaty—one of only two French Master Chefs in San Diego—combines California cuisine with influences Français, resulting in upscale fare like the lobster-ginger consommé, as well as more casual bar eats. Think truffle popcorn and tempura avocado with sriracha aioli. Feeling adventurous? Leave your palate in Ponsaty’s hands with the Innovation/Inspiration Menu, which changes daily.417 West Grand Avenue, Escondido

Holsem Coffee | Photo by Luis Garcia

COFFEE MOCKTAIL

Holsem Coffee

It’s only fitting that a coffee shop this good-looking should have equally attractive drinks. Co-founded by Salpi Sleiman, who helped introduce San Diego to Third Wave coffee with her Roast Coach mobile carts, Holsem specializes in coffee infusions like banana bread cold brew and a cappuccino mixed with rosewater and cardamom. There are also housemade nut milks and affogatos made in collaboration with Gelato Vero Caffé.2911 University Avenue, North Park

WAFFLE

Wow Wow Waffle

You’d be hard-pressed to find a waffle more perfectly doughy and crispy than Wow Wow’s Belgian-inspired creations, which can be topped with savory or sweet accoutrements like bacon, eggs, fruit, or homemade whipped cream. Tucked away in a small lot behind a North Park laundromat, the eatery feels more like a backyard party, with a picnic table, fire pit, and succulent wall.3519 30th Street, North Park

EXPANSION

Dumpling Inn

The award-winning Convoy institution has finally moved into larger digs without sacrificing its hole-in-the-wall flavor credibility. It means more room to enjoy the deep-fried beef curry dumplings without feeling guilty that hordes of people are waiting for a table.4625 Convoy Street, Kearny Mesa

Best Global Cuisine

In case you missed our Best Restuarants issue in June, here are critic Troy Johnson’s top picks.

Worldly DONUT

Nomad Donuts

Candied kimchi bacon bits, yuzu, and prickly pear are just a few of the favorite ingredients flavoring the doughy eats of this North Park shop. They also make a cakey blueberry lemon thyme number and a mixed berry mascarpone, both of which are on point. Vegan versions also available.4504 30th Street, North Park

BREAKFAST SANDWICH

Breakfast Sammie at The Curious Fork

It may look similar to that Egg Mc-thing, but this creation is an elevated version of savory morning delight. The house-made gluten-free (you wouldn’t know it was GF unless we told you!) English muffin is charred to perfection, topped with a fried egg and melted cheese. Customize by adding avocado, ham, or bacon for an extra indulgence. Try it once, and you’ll know why it’s the best breakfast anywhere. Plus, at $4, it’s an unstoppable deal. Tip: Curious Fork is one of the only places in San Diego to find freshly brewed Blue Bottle coffee. We’ve just made your new morning routine.512 Via de la Valle, Solana Beach

Puesto Perfect Guacamole

FANCY GUACAMOLE

Puesto Perfect Guacamole

An Italian cheese and Mexican dip sound like strange bedfellows, but not at Puesto, where owners Eric and Alan Adler have pulled from their own abuela’s recipe for a blend of avocado, Parmigiano Reggiano, cilantro, onion, chile habanero, lime, and orange.789 West Harbor Drive, downtown; 1026 Wall Street, La Jolla

Dipping sauce

Tiger!Tiger! Tavern’s Curry Fries

The house-cut Kennebec Potato fries (which you can also get at Panama 66 and Blind Lady Ale House) are already superior in the San Diego fry landscape, but it’s the house-made sauce that is completely addicting and makes French fries with ketchup seem archaic. The smooth, creamy, aromatic curry dipping sauce is drinkable, not to mention vegan. You’ll never want to eat fries without it again.3025 El Cajon Boulevard, North Park

Half Door Brewing Co.’s happy hour isn’t its only offering worth toasting. The regular menu has a crowd-pleasing mash-up of brewpub classics, like fish and chips, and the rasher and egg flatbread (above).

HAPPY HOUR GRUB

Half Door Brewing Co.

Happy hour just got a little happier thanks to this charming gastropub located in an old Victorian home. On weekdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., the East Village newbie serves up $5 house beers and small plates for $5–$9. Grab a seat on the second floor’s wraparound patio—and don’t miss the fried goat cheese balls.903 Island Avenue, East Village

Grab your stretchy pants. The delectable cinnamon rolls served during brunch at URBAN SOLACE are big enough for a slab (not a drizzle) of icing.3823 30th Street, North Park

Spirits & Beer

fall brewing co.: The North Park beer spot brews a varied lineup of richly flavored, very drinkable beers—many of which are seven percent ABV or below. | Photo by Paul Body

NON-IPA

Fall Brewing Co.’s 2 a.m. Bike Ride

Don’t worry, you don’t have to be hoppy. This stout brewed with Dark Horse Coffee and vanilla bean is rich and creamy without veering too sweet. Think of it as a boozy vanilla latte.4542 30th Street, North Park

COCKTAIL

Skubic Diver

Crafted by Ironside Fish & Oyster, this cocktail incorporates St. George Basil Eau de Vie, fresh-squeezed lime juice, muddled cucumber, and San Miguel gin by local Old Harbor Distilling Co. The drink is even named after Old Harbor founder Michael Skubic. It doesn’t get more quintessential San Diego than that.1654 India Street, Little Italy

LOCAL RUM

Malahat Rum

Named for the Queen of Rum Row, a five-masted beauty anchored off San Diego during the Prohibition, Malahat spiced rum, with notes of allspice, cardamom, cinnamon, and clove, is off-the-charts delicious. Malahat’s stylish tasting room and tour prove equally impressive, with its speakeasy feel, striking set design, and well-versed rum ambassadors.8706 Production Avenue, Miramar

BEER SPINOFF

Mango Michelada at Tacos Perla

A trendy taqueria like Tacos Perla—located on the newly happening corner of 30th and Upas streets—deserves an equally trendy cerveza. And this michelada, made with mango instead of tomato juice and a chili-dusted rim, offers a spicy twist on the classic.3000 Upas Street, North Park

Mission Brewery Hard Root Beer Float

Gluten-Free Beer

Duck Foot Chocolate Hazelnut Porter

Brewed with cocoa nibs and hazelnut, this porter perfectly balances the bitter, the sweet, and the nutty. The new Miramar brewery uses a natural enzyme that removes gluten from all its brews—but beer lovers with or without dietary restrictions will enjoy this dark chocolate deliciousness.8920 Kenamar Drive, Miramar

Adult Dessert

Mission Brewery Hard Root Beer Float

This grown-up spin on the classic soda is one of the downtown brewery’s best sellers, and for good reason. Served with a scoop of ice-cream and heavy on the alcohol content, it makes for the perfect summer craving.1441 L Street, downtown

Fancy desserts may come and go, but classic scoops at Mariposa Ice Cream are here to stay. This old-school ice cream shop, which counts Will Ferrell and Kristen Bell among its fans, specializes in offbeat flavors, like cappuccino almond fudge.3450 Adams Avenue, Normal Heights

Wine

UNDISCOVERED VINEYARD

Shadow Mountain

A brief lesson in SD wine geography—contrary to popular belief, Temecula is not in San Diego County. San Diego has its own 100 vineyards, notably Shadow Mountain with its 70-year-old vines planted at 3,500 feet in Warner Springs. Talented oenologist Alex McGeary helms this charming winery and cottage inn with his wife, Pam, and selected superb Shadow Mountain red and whites serve as the official wines of the San Diego Zoo label.34680 Highway 79, Warner Springs

Edwards Vineyards and cellars Red varietals are the specialty at this unique outdoor tasting room along Highway 78. | Photo by Luis Garcia

RAMONA WINE

Kohill Winery

Ramona has 29 boutique wineries and counting with some impressive wines coming out of the area, thanks to warm days, cool nights, and a little elevation. Winemaker Mike Kopp is making a beautifully balanced Viognier, a fruit-forward Merlot with a soft finish, and an interesting rosé from an unusual varietal—Italian Refosco grapes— and this summer sipper calls for a picnic and wine tasting at the dog-friendly Kohill Winery.17211 Highlander Drive, Ramona

Winery relocation

Vinavanti Urban Winery

Former physicist turned oenologist Eric Van Drunen has been producing some “quarky” yet purist natural wines like his unusual L’Heritier Sparkling Viognier and The Maverick, an organic Malbec/Petit Verdot blend that conjures up a damp forest floor with notes of fig, plum, and pencil lead. We can’t wait for his partially crowdfunded big move from Sorrento Valley to Hillcrest this fall, into a massive space housing a wine production site, a tasting kitchen, winery, and 100 seats for small plate dining.9550 Waples Street, Mira Mesa; 1477 University Avenue, Hillcrest

SURPRISING WINE SELECTION

Vons Liberty Station

A grocery store may not be the first place you look for a bottle, but the Liberty Station Vons goes above and beyond the typical supermarket spread. Equipped with an impressive array of reds and whites ranging from $5 to $450, a wine cellar, and even a wine steward who can offer pairing suggestions, the section is stocked with many customer favorites, like Tolosa varieties. (Wine steward available Friday through Sunday and select weekdays.)2495 Truxtun Road, Point Loma

The opulent Sunday brunch at THE WESTGATE HOTEL is a feast of epic proportions, with bottomless Champagne, crêpes, baked breads, pastries, seafood, and more. Live music rounds out the classy affair.1055 Second Avenue, downtown